The present invention is directed to a method of causing a mobile robot to enter a moving walkway, the method including setting a movement path including a moving walkway, recognizing, by the mobile robot, to enter the moving walkway included in the movement path, adjusting at least one of a speed of the mobile robot and a speed of a step belt of the moving walkway via communication between the mobile robot and the moving walkway, and moving the mobile robot onto the step belt of the moving walkway based on the adjusted speed.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for entering a mobile robot into a moving walkway comprising: setting a movement path including the moving walkway; recognizing that the mobile robot enters the moving walkway included in the movement path; adjusting at least one of a speed of the mobile robot and a speed of a step belt of the moving walkway via communication between the mobile robot and the moving walkway; and moving the mobile robot onto the step belt of the moving walkway based on the adjusted speed, wherein the adjusting includes: adjusting the at least one of the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway based on whether or not a passenger is present on the moving walkway, adjusting the at least one of the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway so that the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway match each other, and adjusting the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway so as to match the speed of the mobile robot when no passenger is present on the moving walkway.
This invention relates to methods for integrating mobile robots with moving walkways, such as airport travelators or escalators, to facilitate seamless entry and operation. The problem addressed is the difficulty of mobile robots safely and efficiently transitioning onto moving walkways, which often have varying speeds and may carry passengers. The method involves setting a movement path that includes the moving walkway, detecting when the robot enters the walkway, and dynamically adjusting either the robot's speed, the walkway's step belt speed, or both to ensure safe and synchronized movement. The adjustment process considers whether passengers are present on the walkway. If no passengers are detected, the walkway's speed is adjusted to match the robot's speed, ensuring smooth entry. If passengers are present, the system ensures the robot's speed and the walkway's speed are synchronized to prevent disruptions. This approach enhances safety and operational efficiency for mobile robots navigating environments with moving walkways.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recognizing includes recognizing that the mobile robot enters the moving walkway via a sensor provided on the moving walkway.
A mobile robot navigation system detects and responds to moving walkways, such as airport conveyors, to ensure safe and efficient operation. The system identifies when the robot enters a moving walkway using sensors embedded in the walkway itself. These sensors detect the robot's presence and trigger adjustments to the robot's navigation algorithms. The system then modifies the robot's movement parameters, such as speed and trajectory, to account for the walkway's motion. This prevents collisions and ensures the robot moves smoothly along the conveyor. The sensors may include pressure-sensitive pads, optical detectors, or other contactless technologies that activate upon the robot's entry. The system may also integrate with the walkway's control infrastructure to receive real-time data on speed and direction, further optimizing the robot's path. This approach enhances safety in environments where mobile robots interact with dynamic transportation systems, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency. The solution is particularly useful in high-traffic areas like airports, shopping malls, and industrial facilities where moving walkways are common.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusting further includes: receiving information indicating whether or not the passenger is present on the moving walkway from the moving walkway; and determining whether or not the passenger is present on the moving walkway based on the received information.
This invention relates to systems for monitoring and adjusting the operation of moving walkways, such as those found in airports or shopping malls, to improve safety and efficiency. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust moving walkway operations based on passenger presence to prevent accidents, reduce energy consumption, and enhance user experience. The method involves detecting whether a passenger is present on the moving walkway and adjusting its operation accordingly. Specifically, the moving walkway itself provides information about passenger presence, which is then used to determine if a passenger is currently on the walkway. This detection can be achieved through sensors or other monitoring systems integrated into the walkway. If no passenger is detected, the walkway may slow down, stop, or enter an energy-saving mode. If a passenger is detected, the walkway maintains normal operation or adjusts speed based on additional factors like crowd density or safety protocols. The system ensures that the walkway operates efficiently while minimizing risks, such as falls or collisions, by dynamically responding to real-time passenger data. This approach reduces unnecessary energy use when the walkway is unoccupied and enhances safety by ensuring proper operation when passengers are present. The invention is particularly useful in high-traffic environments where automated adjustments improve both functionality and sustainability.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusting includes adjusting the speed of the mobile robot so as to match the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway when the passenger is present on the moving walkway.
This invention relates to mobile robots designed to assist passengers on moving walkways, such as those found in airports or shopping malls. The problem addressed is ensuring safe and efficient interaction between a mobile robot and passengers on a moving walkway, particularly when the robot needs to adjust its movement to match the walkway's speed. The invention involves a mobile robot equipped with sensors and control systems to detect the presence of a passenger on the moving walkway. When a passenger is detected, the robot adjusts its speed to match the speed of the walkway's step belt. This synchronization prevents collisions and ensures smooth movement alongside the passenger. The robot may also include additional features, such as obstacle detection and avoidance, to further enhance safety. The system may use real-time data from the walkway's speed sensors or onboard sensors to dynamically adjust the robot's speed. This ensures seamless operation even if the walkway's speed changes. The invention improves passenger safety and robot efficiency in environments where moving walkways are present.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusting includes adjusting the at least one of the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway from a time when it is recognized that the mobile robot enters the moving walkway to a time when the mobile robot moves onto the step belt of the moving walkway.
This invention relates to systems for managing the interaction between mobile robots and moving walkways, such as escalators or moving sidewalks. The problem addressed is ensuring safe and efficient transitions for mobile robots as they enter, travel on, and exit moving walkways. The invention describes a method for dynamically adjusting the speed of either the mobile robot or the step belt of the moving walkway during the transition phase. Specifically, the adjustment occurs from the moment the mobile robot is detected entering the moving walkway until it fully moves onto the step belt. This adjustment helps synchronize the speeds of the robot and the walkway, preventing collisions, instability, or disruptions during the transition. The method may involve slowing down or speeding up the robot or the walkway to match their velocities, ensuring smooth and controlled movement. The invention aims to improve safety and operational efficiency in environments where mobile robots interact with moving walkways, such as in logistics, transportation, or automated systems.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moving further includes adjusting an orientation of the mobile robot so that a movement direction of the mobile robot moved onto the step belt of the moving walkway is parallel to a movement direction of the step belt of the moving walkway.
This invention relates to mobile robots designed to navigate moving walkways, such as escalators or moving sidewalks. The problem addressed is ensuring the robot can safely and efficiently transition onto and move along the step belt of a moving walkway without misalignment or instability. The solution involves adjusting the robot's orientation so that its movement direction aligns parallel to the step belt's movement direction. This alignment prevents lateral drift or instability caused by the walkway's motion, ensuring smooth and controlled movement. The method may also include additional steps, such as detecting the walkway's movement direction, calculating the necessary orientation adjustment, and dynamically correcting the robot's position to maintain alignment. The invention improves the robot's ability to navigate dynamic environments like moving walkways, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
7. A mobile robot comprising: a communication unit configured to communicate with a moving walkway; and a processor configured to set a movement path including the moving walkway, to recognize that the mobile robot enters the moving walkway included in the movement path, to adjust at least one of a speed of the mobile robot and a speed of a step belt of the moving walkway via communication between the mobile robot and the moving walkway, and to move the mobile robot onto the step belt of the moving walkway based on the adjusted speed, wherein the processor is configured to: adjust the at least one of the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway based on whether or not a passenger is present on the moving walkway, adjust the at least one of the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway so that the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway match each other, and adjust the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway so as to match the speed of the mobile robot when no passenger is present on the moving walkway.
A mobile robot is designed to navigate environments that include moving walkways, such as those found in airports or large public spaces. The robot addresses the challenge of safely and efficiently transitioning onto and off moving walkways, which can be difficult due to mismatched speeds between the robot and the walkway, potentially causing instability or collisions. The robot includes a communication unit that enables interaction with the moving walkway and a processor that manages the robot's movement. The processor sets a movement path that incorporates the moving walkway, detects when the robot enters the walkway, and adjusts either the robot's speed, the walkway's step belt speed, or both to ensure smooth integration. The adjustment process considers whether passengers are present on the walkway. If no passengers are detected, the walkway's speed is adjusted to match the robot's speed, ensuring seamless movement. If passengers are present, the system ensures the robot's speed and the walkway's speed are synchronized to prevent disruptions. This approach enhances safety and efficiency in environments where mobile robots and moving walkways coexist.
8. The mobile robot of claim 7 , wherein the processor is configured to recognize that the mobile robot enters the moving walkway via a sensor provided on the moving walkway.
A mobile robot is designed to navigate and operate on moving walkways, such as escalators or moving sidewalks, to enhance efficiency in environments like airports, shopping malls, or industrial facilities. The robot includes a processor that controls its movement and ensures safe interaction with the moving walkway. To detect when the robot enters the walkway, a sensor is installed on the moving walkway itself. This sensor communicates with the robot's processor, allowing the robot to adjust its speed, orientation, or other operational parameters to align with the walkway's movement. The processor may also use this sensor data to avoid collisions, maintain stability, or optimize energy consumption while on the walkway. The robot's ability to detect entry via the walkway's sensor ensures seamless integration with existing infrastructure, reducing the need for additional onboard sensors or complex calibration. This system improves the robot's adaptability in dynamic environments where moving walkways are present.
9. The mobile robot of claim 7 , wherein the processor is further configured to receive information indicating whether or not the passenger is present on the moving walkway from the moving walkway, and to determine whether or not the passenger is present on the moving walkway based on the received information.
This invention relates to mobile robots designed to operate in environments with moving walkways, such as airports or shopping malls. The problem addressed is ensuring safe and efficient navigation of mobile robots in dynamic environments where moving walkways may carry passengers, requiring the robot to detect and respond to their presence. The mobile robot includes a processor configured to receive data from the moving walkway indicating whether a passenger is present. The robot processes this information to determine if a passenger is on the walkway. This functionality enhances safety by allowing the robot to adjust its movement or behavior in response to passenger presence, preventing collisions or disruptions. The robot may also use additional sensors, such as cameras or proximity detectors, to further verify passenger presence and improve decision-making. The system ensures that the robot can operate autonomously while maintaining awareness of its surroundings, particularly in high-traffic areas where moving walkways are in use. By integrating data from the walkway itself, the robot avoids reliance solely on onboard sensors, improving accuracy and reliability. This approach supports seamless interaction between automated systems and human passengers in shared spaces.
10. The mobile robot of claim 7 , wherein the processor is configured to adjust the speed of the mobile robot so as to match the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway when the passenger is present on the moving walkway.
This invention relates to mobile robots designed to assist passengers on moving walkways, such as airport baggage claim carousels or airport moving walkways. The problem addressed is ensuring safe and efficient interaction between mobile robots and passengers on these conveyance systems, particularly when the robot needs to match the speed of the moving walkway to avoid collisions or disruptions. The mobile robot includes a processor that controls its movement and a sensor system to detect the presence of a passenger on the moving walkway. The moving walkway has a step belt or similar surface that moves at a fixed or variable speed. The processor adjusts the robot's speed to precisely match the speed of the step belt when a passenger is detected. This synchronization ensures the robot moves in harmony with the walkway, preventing sudden accelerations or decelerations that could startle or endanger the passenger. The robot may also include additional features, such as obstacle detection and avoidance, to further enhance safety. The system is particularly useful in environments where robots assist passengers with luggage or other tasks while moving alongside them on conveyance systems.
11. The mobile robot of claim 7 , wherein the processor is configured to adjust the at least one of the speed of the mobile robot and the speed of the step belt of the moving walkway from a time when it is recognized that the mobile robot enters the moving walkway to a time when the mobile robot moves onto the step belt of the moving walkway.
This invention relates to mobile robots designed to interact with moving walkways, such as escalators or moving sidewalks. The problem addressed is ensuring safe and efficient operation of mobile robots when transitioning onto or off moving walkways, where mismatched speeds can cause instability or damage. The mobile robot includes a processor that dynamically adjusts either the robot's own speed or the speed of the moving walkway's step belt (or both) during the transition phase. Specifically, the adjustment occurs from the moment the robot is detected entering the moving walkway until it is fully positioned on the step belt. This ensures synchronization between the robot and the walkway, preventing collisions or disruptions. The system may also include sensors to detect the robot's position and speed, enabling real-time adjustments. The invention improves safety and operational reliability for autonomous robots navigating environments with moving walkways.
12. The mobile robot of claim 7 , wherein the processor is further configured to adjust an orientation of the mobile robot so that a movement direction of the mobile robot moved onto the step belt of the moving walkway is parallel to a movement direction of the step belt of the moving walkway.
This invention relates to mobile robots designed to navigate moving walkways, such as escalators or moving sidewalks, where the robot must align its movement direction with the direction of the walkway's step belt to ensure safe and efficient traversal. The problem addressed is the misalignment between the robot's movement and the walkway's direction, which can lead to instability, collisions, or inefficient operation. The mobile robot includes a processor that controls its movement and orientation. The processor is configured to adjust the robot's orientation so that its movement direction becomes parallel to the movement direction of the step belt. This alignment ensures that the robot moves smoothly and stably on the walkway without lateral drift or misalignment. The robot may also include sensors or other mechanisms to detect the walkway's movement direction and adjust accordingly. The invention may further involve additional features, such as obstacle detection, speed matching, or dynamic stabilization, to enhance the robot's performance on moving walkways. The overall goal is to enable autonomous robots to safely and efficiently navigate environments with moving surfaces.
13. A non-transitory computer readable recording medium comprising a computer program for performing the method for entering a mobile robot into a moving walkway of claim 1 .
A system and method for autonomously guiding a mobile robot onto a moving walkway, such as an airport travelator or escalator, to facilitate efficient and safe boarding. The problem addressed is the challenge of aligning a mobile robot with a moving walkway without human intervention, ensuring precise positioning and smooth transition. The solution involves a mobile robot equipped with sensors and control algorithms to detect the walkway's movement, adjust its speed and trajectory, and synchronize with the walkway's motion. The robot uses vision-based or proximity sensors to identify the walkway's edges and speed, then dynamically adjusts its movement to match the walkway's velocity while maintaining stability. The system may also include obstacle detection to avoid collisions with other robots or objects on the walkway. The computer program stored on a non-transitory medium executes these steps, enabling the robot to autonomously enter and navigate the moving walkway without manual assistance. This improves efficiency in environments like airports, warehouses, or public transit systems where mobile robots need to transition between stationary and moving surfaces.
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August 13, 2019
March 8, 2022
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